This program is for girls in 6th through 9th grade.

Go Grrrls, a community- or school-based prevention program, is designed to support healthy psychosocial development and prevent pregnancy in adolescent girls.

Evidence from two studies is mixed. Results from one evaluation of the Go Grrrls program suggest that those who completed the program reported improvements in body image, more assertiveness, healthier attitudes toward attractiveness, and higher levels of self-efficacy and self-liking, but no improvements were reported in peer self-esteem or possible sources of help compared to a control group. Results from a second evaluation revealed greater increases in peer self-esteem, sources of help, and common irrational beliefs in the intervention compared to control group, but no difference was reported between groups on measures of depression or body image. The program was revised to include gender-specific content on sexual-risk reduction, and a third study was conducted that examined program effects on sexual-risk factors. Results at a 6-month follow-up indicated significant differences between intervention and control groups in condom technical skills and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases. Results at an 18-month follow-up indicated significant differences between groups in condom technical skills only. There were improvements in efficacy and self-assertiveness in both groups over time.

Go Grrrls intends to increase self-esteem, promote positive body image, encourage responsible decision-making, and empower girls to plan for the future. This program, led primarily by female psychology students to groups of 8 to 12 girls, provides youth with instruction on how to acquire skills that could help them manage social pressures. Youth participate in a series of role-plays, discussion activities, and exercises and complete journal entries and track individual progress in a workbook. The curriculum includes the following components:

• Create a positive gender-role identity;
• Develop a positive body image and body acceptance;
• Build a positive self-image, reduce self-criticism, foster positive mood;
• Understand sexuality and risk factors for pregnancy, practice responsible decision-making and safe sex;
• Realize the importance of using condoms to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, learn assertiveness skills for negotiating sexual behaviors including use of condoms;
• Learn responsible decision-making skills, including assertiveness, resistance to peer pressure, and problem-solving skills, and skills for reducing sexual risk-taking behaviors; and
• Plan for the future by developing motivation for achievement and building confidence.

The Go Grrrls program has been used in middle schools in Arizona.

This program is delivered by two female facilitators who have interest in, background knowledge in (e.g., social work, psychology), and experience working with young people. Program developers offer a 1-day training. Please use details in the Contact section to learn more.

Considerations for implementing this program include recruiting facilitators and arranging for them to complete training, if desired; allocating time and locating space for sessions; understanding this program could address sensitive topics; and ensuring the program is delivered with fidelity.

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing Go Grrrls, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

The 8-unit curriculum is delivered in weekly, 90- to 120-minute sessions held during after-school hours.

The Go Grrrls workbook costs $19.95 and can be purchased by visiting https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0393703487/qid=990127346/103-9966528-5963014. Please use details in the Contact section for more information on program materials and costs.

To move Go Grrrls to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed demonstrating consistently positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185     Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

You may also contact Dr. Craig LeCroy by phone 1-520-884-5507x15 or email craig.lecroy@asu.edu or contact Jan Daley by phone 1-520-321-3750 or email jan.daley@yahoo.com or contact Sociometrics Corporation by mail 13023 La Cresta Drive’, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022, phone 1-650-279-5777, email socio@socio.com, or visit https://www.socio.com/pages/contact_us

https://www.public.asu.edu/~lecroy/gogrrrls/body.htm and https://www.socio.com/products/pasha-go-grrrls